By Niamh McGovern AN emergency health meeting was convened yesterday (Tuesday) after health officials declared that Northern Ireland’s hospitals were in ‘crisis’ due to rising flu cases and the recent cold weather. The surge in winter viruses has exacerbated already severe pressures, with hundreds of people waiting over 12 hours in hospital emergency departments across […]
Aisling Centre offers lifeline for mental health
MENTAL health issues continue to affect people of all ages in Fermanagh, with over 100 individuals attending counselling sessions every week at the Aisling Centre in Enniskillen. Founded in 1990 by the Enniskillen Convent of Mercy Sisters, the centre has become one of the leading support services in the North. As it prepares to host […]
Fermanagh pays tribute to GAA referee John Murphy
THE Derrygonnelly and Fermanagh community has united in grief following the death of well-known GAA referee and father-of-three, John Murphy, who passed away on New Year’s Eve after a battle with cancer. Formerly of Rosnarick Close in Derrygonnelly and more recently of Rossview in Lisnaskea, Mr. Murphy died in the Palliative Care Unit in Omagh. […]
Fermanagh healthcare staff under ‘relentless pressure’
By Niamh McGovern AS flu cases continue to rise across Fermanagh, healthcare staff are preparing for another challenging period. At South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), staff have resumed wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard themselves against infections as they work to manage the high volume of patients. Andy McKane, a long-time NHS worker and […]
Concerns raised over new SWAH sub-group formation
ALLIANCE councillor Eddie Roofe has voiced concerns that the creation of a new subgroup within the Strategic Development Group (SDG) for South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) could be an attempt to sideline the Fermanahg & Omagh District Council from discussions. The SDG, established in 2023 following the suspension of emergency general surgery at SWAH, includes […]
Winter pressures mount on Fermanagh health service
By Niamh McGovern THE Western Trust continues to face severe pressures on services this winter, with ‘full escalation of beds on all wards and departments’. On Sunday, the Trust recorded 286 attendances across Altnagelvin Hospital and South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), with 86 patients waiting for a bed and 163 waiting in the Emergency Department. […]
NHS pay rise proposals given tentative welcome
By Alan Rodgers STORMONT Health Minister Mike Nesbitt’s proposals on a fresh pay settlement for NHS workers have been given a guarded welcome locally. The UUP leader has offered health workers a rise in their pay which mirrors the value of increases in England. These will be implemented in two different tranches due to what Mr Nesbitt describes as ‘ongoing pressures’ […]
Workers ensure service continues on Christmas Day
WHILE many will be enjoying turkey dinners and indulging in festive chocolates on Christmas Day, some of Fermanagh’s unsung heroes will be on the frontline, ensuring essential services continue. Enda Love, a well-known porter at South West Acute Hospital, will be working from 8am to 2pm, providing vital help to in-patients. “To be honest, I’m […]
‘Country music saved me’ says Derrylin musician Anthony
ANTHONY McBrien has spent nearly three decades wowing audiences, and his passion for music remains undiminished even as he navigates one of the most challenging periods of his life. The 53-year-old Derrylin man has experienced it all on the local music scene – writing songs, forming his own band, supporting American stars like Randy Travis, […]
Fermanagh girl (5) raises awareness about arthiritis
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD Fermanagh girl living with a lifelong form of arthritis is determined to break the stigma around long-term conditions and inspire others who share her diagnosis. Ellie, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at just two-years-old, faces daily pain caused by the autoimmune condition, which affects approximately one in 1,000 children under […]